RELATIONSHIPS.
[ri-ley-shuh n-ship] noun
1. a connection, association, or involvement.
2. connection between persons by blood or marriage.
3. an emotional or other connection between people:
4. a sexual involvement; affair.
Relationships... the essential topic of discussion in every song on the radio these days, the ultimate goal one strives for after the "talking" stage, the root of all evil and confusion if not handled properly, and one of the most beautiful journeys when experienced with the right person.
We live in a world today where everyone wants to be in a relationship, yet only a select few take the right steps to place themselves in the perfect situation. We ask God for this ideal person and we make crucial mistakes leading up to the encounter. First we SEARCH for that person, then we choose to search in all the wrong places. You should never have to look for that perfect person, actually your job is to live your life, and thrive on your own. When the time is right, God will make sure that you cross paths with that person. It won't be based on your timeline, but it'll be when God feels as though you're ready for them, and they are ready for you. Unfortunately, we feel the need to search high and low for this person. We look in the worst places, and expect the best result. Will you find a Democrat at a Trump rally? No. So don't look for a husband at the strip club.
Throughout the waiting journey, we must present ourselves based upon how we feel we should be treated. As a woman, you can't dress like a stripper and expect a man to treat you like a wife. That's not how things work. People will only do what you ALLOW them to. Therefore, people will treat you with respect when they recognize that you respect yourself. On social media, if your page suggests that you only value your body, and you're half naked in all your pictures, people will also only value your body. They may even approach you sideways, in a very disrespectful way. So don't be surprised; you advertised it and they just want to inquiry about it. Love and value yourself before you try to love someone else, this way you will know your boundaries and you won't settle for less than you're worth. You must also check yourself before you try to invite someone into your life. Write a list of all of the ideal traits you wish a potential boyfriend or girlfriend should have. Then ask yourself, do I even make the cut? No, you're not perfect, but they aren't either. You can't wish to date a rich guy when your broke, with no ambition. Bottom line, before you try to question what others bring to the table, make sure your on top of things as well.
Well you've waited for God and thrived on your own, and BOOM you meet that perfect person for you. First you must ask yourself, do our morals and values align? If the answer is yes, then you must be honest and upfront about how you feel and what your expectations are. This eliminates confusion in the long run. You could be looking for a relationship, and they may just want sexual relations. Be clear so there is no misunderstanding. When you guys are on the same page, then take things slow don't rush into anything. Don't rush into a relationship and better yet, don't rush into marriage. These days, everyone is in such a rush to either get married or have a child. NOT ME. We've got our entire lives to live, and those commitments change your entire life. The pictures are nice, and the gender reveals are cute and all.. but that's only 2% of what those experiences are comprised of.
Learn to understand yourself, so you can understand your partner. Learn to not be judgmental, so your partner won't judge you. Learn to trust them, so they can in turn trust you. Learn to communicate how you feel, so they can feel comfortable to communicate with you as well. Learn to not be selfish, so they can put your needs first as well.
All in all relationships are beautiful things, but they are what we make them. They consist of love, trust, arguments, adventure, communication, and so much more. Cherish them, and cherish the person you're making memories with. You never know what you have until it's gone. God has hand picked someone for all of us; you could work with that very person every day and be oblivious to the fact that they may one day be the love of your life. In the meantime, live your life and strive to be the best YOU, and you will automatically attract the best person for YOU.
Ephesians 4:2-3 "Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the spirit through the bond of peace."